Travel back to a simpler Christmas at Simi Valley’s Holiday Open House
Sylvie Belmond 
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — A fully restored 1915 Ford Model A will rumble to life for short rides this year, giving the Holiday Open House at Strathearn Historical Park its time-machine moment. Music drifting between decorated porches and lights glowing from vintage windows round out a classic Christmas scene at the free event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7.
According to the Simi Valley Historical Society’s website, entering the 6.5-acre park during Holiday Open House “is like stepping into a Hallmark Christmas card.”
Historic buildings help deliver that promise. Visitors can walk through the 1888 Colony House, the Simi Adobe built by the Spanish around 1801 and the two-story Strathearn home built in 1892. Tours are free throughout the event.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be inside the Old St. Rose Church for photos from 11 to 2, welcoming kids and families for holiday portraits. Nearby, face painter Katie Dragoo will work by the windmill next to the Park Store, and kids will be able to explore the Restoration Shop to see antique tractors, motors and cars up close.
Live music will tie the experience together.
Guitarist Nadean Dyer performs next to the Old Church from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m..
In the Wood Ranch Barn, harpist Elaine Lister plays at 11:15 a.m., followed by the Channel Islands Harmony Chorus at noon, the Simi Valley Methodist Church Bell Ringers at 12:45 p.m. and the Sinaloa Middle School Choir at 1:30 p.m.
“One bell ringing is, well, just one bell ringing. But when the Simi Valley Methodist Church Bell Ringers all get in the act, it is truly a wonderful sound,” the Historical Society notes, adding that the Sinaloa Middle School Choir is a perfect way to close out Holiday Open House.
Visitors can also watch Doug Lonngren demonstrate antique rope making. For a $5 donation, guests can twist twine into rope on his machine and shape it into a holiday wreath keepsake.
The Strathearn Park Mechanical Restoration Team opens its shop with displays of old motors, a Model T and a selection of vintage tractors. Crew members fire up several 100-year-old hit-and-miss engines during the event.
The special addition this year runs from 1 to about 1:45 p.m., when the team offers short rides in the park’s fully restored 1915 Ford Model A Touring Car, which the historical society describes as a true time machine.
Hot cocoa and treats are free, and all activities take place inside Strathearn Park, 137 Strathearn Place, Simi Valley. For more information, visit https://www.simihistory.com/
